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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 72

(x) The 'Gallipoli 1915' casualty's group of four awarded to Private A. A. Hook, 19th Battalion, Australian Expeditionary Force, who died of wounds received during the attack on Hill 60

1914-15 Star (873 Pte. A. A. Hook. 19/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (873 Pte. A. A. Hook. 19 Bn. A.I.F.); Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Alfred Arthur Hook), the service number on the Victory Medal officially corrected, very fine overall (4)

Alfred Arthur Hook was born at Sydney, New South Wales in 1894, the son of Alfred Hook, he was working as an engineer upon enlistment on 18 February 1915. Posted to 'C' Company, 19th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, this unit entered the war in Gallipoli as part of the first wave of reinforcements to ANZAC Cove on 21 August 1915.

They were thrown into action very quickly and Hook is noted as being wounded in the foot during an attack on Chocolate Hill. It is unclear when this happened as soon afterwards he was again much more seriously wounded during the Attack on Hill 60 which began the same day they entered the theatre.

A witness to his wounding, Sergeant Norman was interviewed regarding the circumstances of his death. The interview transcript states:

'Was wounded with Shrapnel in a Donga at the foot of Hill 60 about the 27th August. Was removed and died on the Hospital Ship. Informant attended to him when picked up and noticed the bullet [SIC] had penetrated his back and come out through the side of his body.'

Hook lived for some time after his receiving his wound. He died at No. 16 Casualty Clearing Station on 4 September and was buried at No. 2 Outpost Cemetery, Gallipoli.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£300 to £400

Starting price
£240